Release & Production · Topic 18 of 27
What should you watch out for when buying a beat?
Usually you're not buying a beat, you're buying a licence.
Want to buy a beat online? Then you usually don't buy the beat itself but a licence, meaning permission to use it.
Lease or exclusive
- Lease: cheap but limited. Others can buy the same beat, and there's often a cap on how many streams and sales are allowed.
- Exclusive: more expensive, but only you may use the beat.
The producer is a co-writer
The beat is part of the composition. That's why the producer is often a co-writer of the song and gets GEMA shares. Best to record that in a split sheet.
Check the licence for how many streams and sales are allowed and whether you can make a music video.
In shortRead the licence before you release.
All figures are rough guidelines for beginners and focus on Germany. They are no substitute for legal or tax advice.
